People living in rural north Oshawa are asking the province for more information about an aggregate pit located on the Oak Ridges Moraine. This request comes after the Ministry of Natural Resources informed them that fill was being brought in without proper authorization.
They report that up to 200 heavy trucks a day have been delivering fill to an aggregate pit on Harmony Road N. since November, making the road so muddy that it has become dangerous for drivers.
Last week, a resident received word from the ministry that the pit’s operator did not have permission to import this fill. Now, community members want clarity on what the fill contains and whether any consequences will be imposed on the pit operator.
Lauren Paré, who lives nearby on Howden Road, described the information from the ministry as “a bit of a black hole.”
“It’s in bits and pieces… nothing specific answering all of our questions and concerns,” she said. “It’s very vague.”
“We don’t want contaminants leaching into groundwater and then into well water affecting people’s drinking water,” said Karen Goranson who resides on Harmony Road.Pare and Goranson are calling for comprehensive testing around their area including both soil and water tests. They also want those results made available for local residents.
Pare sent an email with questions directed at the ministry last Friday asking if any testing has taken place but hadn’t gotten any response yet. She also asked if testing had been done specifically on the fill itself.
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The ministry states fill meets soil quality standards
The ministry issued a statement confirming that the fill will stay in the pit. “Documentation provided by a qualified soil professional confirms the origin of the materials, and that they meet applicable soil quality standards,” spokesperson Kavithaa Kandasamy stated via email. “Accordingly, the material will be permitted to remain on site for use in final rehabilitation.” In an email sent last week to Harmony Road resident Kevin Goranson, the ministry acknowledged that while importing excess soil was occurring, it wasn’t authorized. “After review of the current site plan and amendments, [the ministry] determined that the recent importation of excess soils was not an authorized activity,” Kate Gee from the ministry wrote in her Thursday email. “The operator was informed of this and notified to cease importation.” WATCH | Residents say as many as 200 trucks a day have torn up Harmony Road N.: Hundreds of dump trucks are tearing up rural Oshawa road: residents Residents living in rural Oshawa’s north end express their concern over numerous dump trucks damaging their roads. CBC’s Christian D’Avino highlights how locals believe it’s just a matter of time before something serious happens. Gee mentioned in her email that excess soil importation “is not permitted… under this site plan.” “If the operator wanted to import excess soils to the site, they would need to apply for a site plan amendment,” she added. Kandasamy indicated that on March 3rd, they informed the operator to stop bringing in fill and confirmed “has complied with this instruction.” This month so far, Paré noted there hasn’t been an increase in truck traffic around their neighborhood.Community worries about possible environmental effects
The aggregate pit is owned by Hard-Co Construction based out of Whitby and had remained unused for several years. However, residents claim Hard-Co licensed it out to EMP Emperial Contracting-a separate company located in Port Perry-in November. This month Rob Harding from Hard-Co confirmed with that EMP Emperial Contracting is currently operating at this pit. has reached out to EMP Emperial Contracting for comments regarding these issues. A main concern among residents involves potential environmental risks associated with this fill.“We don’t want contaminants leaching into groundwater and then into well water affecting people’s drinking water,” said Karen Goranson who resides on Harmony Road.Pare and Goranson are calling for comprehensive testing around their area including both soil and water tests. They also want those results made available for local residents.
Pare sent an email with questions directed at the ministry last Friday asking if any testing has taken place but hadn’t gotten any response yet. She also asked if testing had been done specifically on the fill itself.
The city plans increased oversight around Harmony Road
Even though provincial regulations govern aggregate pits through laws like The Aggregate Resources Act , it’s important to note that city authorities oversee roads within Oshawa. This past Monday , council members voted directing staff “to investigate all options within municipal authority ensuring compliance with [Municipal Act & Minimum Maintenance Standards]” surrounding activities near pits. This includes enforcing restrictions against stopping anytime along roads , plus possibly adding extended or permanent half-load limits throughout city routes. Half-load restrictions limit commercial vehicle weights down five tonnes per axle across designated areas. Councillor John Neal representing Ward 1 introduced this motion after hearing constituents’ feedbacks regarding these matters. “This motion aims at focusing solely onto things which municipality could control”, he explained noting concerned citizens input prompted action taken here today.” Councilor Neal further mentioned his ongoing communications related Todd Mc Carthy who oversees environment conservation efforts too directly involved here.” If there arise complaints regarding either type issues – namely concerning either soils or fills brought forth – then we must respond appropriately” Neal stressed during discussions held earlier today.” The community reported contacting Minister Mc Carthy’s office about scheduling meetings post-March break; however updates remain pending accordingly thus far.”Source link
